Paul T. Devane Sr

Albany, NY-Paul Thomas Devane, of Berne, respected attorney and public servant, devoted Catholic, outdoorsman, and friend to countless people throughout the Capital Region and beyond, passed away surrounded by the faith, family, and friendships that defined his life. Paul was born in Albany, New York, on April 19, 1941, to Francis Edward Devane and Ruth Callahan Devane. He graduated from Vincentian Institute in 1958 and Mount St. Mary’s College in Emmitsburg, Maryland, in 1962, before attending Albany Law School. Paul began practicing law as a sole practitioner in Albany and continued for more than six decades. He was dedicated to public service, becoming the youngest person ever elected to the Albany County Legislature. He later served as Clerk of the County Legislature for more than 50 years, earning the respect of generations of legislators, attorneys, judges, law enforcement officials, and county employees. He retired from the Legislature in 2024 and from practicing law in 2025. Paul’s connection to the Albany community extended beyond the courtroom and Legislature. In 1991, he became proprietor of Duffy’s Lucky Charm. Until its closing in 2013, Duffy’s was more than a neighborhood establishment. It was an Irish public house and welcoming gathering place for legal colleagues, members of the criminal justice community, old friends, new friends, and, in Paul’s words, “persons of good cheer.” Away from work, Paul found some of his greatest joy outdoors. His love of hunting, fishing, and boating shaped many of his closest friendships. A renowned big-game hunter, he traveled throughout the United States and Canada, including a 2019 trip to Quebec, where he harvested a bull moose at age 78. Over the years, he also hunted caribou, elk, geese, and whitetail deer. That passion for the outdoors began during childhood summers at Burden Lake. He later kept a boat on Lake George and enjoyed fishing from Quebec to Sanibel Island, Florida, as well as Maryland’s Eastern Shore and the Outer Banks. He was also a longtime member of the Ward Pond Club, serving as its secretary for more than 40 years.He enjoyed golfing at Burden Lake Country Club, Normanside Country Club, and wherever friends gathered to play. He was a devoted Notre Dame fan, frequent traveler to Ireland, and attended numerous Super Bowls, the Kentucky Derby and a host of other sporting events. Yet Paul’s greatest legacy was found in the people he welcomed into his life. His friends included judges, attorneys, hunters, fishermen, politicians, police officers, golfers, bartenders, public servants, and countless others. Many became like family, drawn to his warmth, humor, generosity, and genuine interest in others. Paul was predeceased by his beloved son, Brendan Patrick Devane; brother, Dr. Frank Devane, and brother-in-law, Ralph Pinto. He is survived by his loving partner, Sharon VanIderstine; his sister, Judith Pinto; his brother, Charles (Lynn); and his five sons, Paul Jr. (Vicky Chalanick), Timothy (Lisa), Christian (Nicole), Gerard, and Justin. He is also survived by six grandchildren, a great-grandson, extended family, and many lifelong friends. Albany was always home to Paul, but his friendships carried his spirit far beyond the city. Wherever he went, people gathered, stories were shared, and another adventure was close at hand. Funeral services Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 12:30 pm at the Historic Church of St. Mary on Capitol Hill, 10 Lodge Street (Father James Lefebvre Way), Albany, NY 12207 where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated. The Rite of Committal will be held privately. To leave a message for the family please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com A celebration of life will be held the following day from noon-3pm at Normanside Country Club in Delmar. May he rest in peace.

Paul T. Devane Sr

April 19, 1941 - September 11, 2026